Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean,
the beautiful Seychelles is often touted as one of the most
romantic destinations in the world. The archipelago casts a spell
over travellers, thanks to its crystalline turquoise waters,
pristine coral reefs and powdery beaches, which encircle vast
granite pinnacles and verdant rainforest.
The islands are stretched across nearly one
million square kilometres of ocean off the coast of East Africa.
Only a few of the 115 islands are inhabited, with most of the local
population (known as Seychellois) gathered on the main island,
Mahe, around the capital city of Victoria.
The Seychellois population comprises an
eclectic mix of the descendants of freed African slaves, Arab,
Indian and Chinese traders, British and French settlers and Creole
seafarers. The multi-party democratic republic was once a thriving
pirate's haven, but today it serves as a refuge for sun seekers,
honeymooners and nature lovers, who congregate in the top quality
hotels and resorts on the shores of the main islands. Travellers
will find gorgeous beaches, luxury accommodation, cultural
attractions, and a variety of activities on Mahe, Praslin and La
Digue, though Mahe is best for those who want world-class
snorkelling and good restaurants. La Digue is perfect for visitors
who wish to be completely surrounded by nature.
Whether travellers come to soak up the
equatorial sun on silver sands, dive among more than 800 species of
fish in the island waters, marvel at flocks of colourful birds
flitting between rare jungle trees, or to cement their marriage
vows, they will find the Seychelles archipelago undeniably
idyllic.
Although primarily enjoyed as an uber
lavish destination, there is an increasing drive to develop the
budget tourism options on the islands, opening the doors of
paradise to travellers who may previously only have dreamt of a
holiday on these exotic shores.
Key Facts
Language:
Creole, English and French are all spoken in the
Seychelles.
Passport/Visa:
No foreigners require a visa to enter Seychelles. A visitor's
permit, valid for a maximum of three month, is issued on arrival
and may be extended on application for up to three months. All
visitors do, however, require a passport valid for the duration of
their visit, a return or onward ticket, sufficient funds to cover
their stay (a minimum of USD 150 per day), and proof of
accommodation. Extensions are possible if applied for at least a
week before expiry of visitor's permit. It is highly recommended
that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity
remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
The Seychelles currency is the rupee (SCR), which is divided
into 100 cents. It's uncommon to buy goods or pay for services in
any other currency, though some guesthouses and hotels may accept
euros or US dollars. Credit cards are widely welcomed throughout
the Seychelles, and ATMs are available at major banks in Victoria
and Praslin. Money can be exchanged at travel agents, banks and
bureau de changes.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220-240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are
of the British type, with three flat pins.
Travel to Seychelles
Overview
Almost half of the total land area of the
Seychelles is protected and most of its islands are designated
marine sanctuaries, which goes some way to explaining why the
archipelago is so pristine and well preserved. Naturally, the
Seychelles is a dream destination for aquatic pursuits such as
diving, snorkelling, sailing and fishing, but visitors will also
find that the virgin jungles and granite peaks provide a playground
for hikers, bird watchers and rock climbers.
The islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue
are the most developed for tourists, with many luxury hotels, some
cultural attractions, and myriad activities on offer. Here,
travellers will find stunning beaches, the Morne Seychellois
National Park and the UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai.
Keen fishermen should head to Desroches
Island, Alphonse Island and Farquhar Atoll, while surfers will love
Anse Intendance. Some of the best islands for birders include the
aptly named Bird Island, the Aride Island Nature Reserve and Cousin
Island. Nature lovers will also relish the wildlife on Curieuse
Island, Silhouette Island and the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll, to
name just a few.
Climate in Seychelles
Seychelles is constantly hot and humid, with an average annual
temperature of 84F (29C), and a similar average sea temperature,
which seldom drops below 81F (27C). The heat is usually pleasantly
tempered by sea breezes. The islands lie outside of the hurricane
belt, so storms are rare, but tropical rains fall during January
and February. It is easy to escape the showers, though, because it
can be sunny on one side of an island while it rains on the
other.
The Seychelles is a glorious holiday destination at any time of
year, but the best time to visit depends on the desired activities.
For instance, it is slightly windier between May and September,
making this the ideal time to visit for those wanting to sail or
enjoy other wind-based sports; whereas the best time of year for
scuba diving and snorkelling is April and May or October and
November, when the visibility is at its best.
Health Notes when travelling to Seychelles
Health regulations in the Seychelles require that travellers who
arrive from or have transited through areas where there is a risk
of yellow fever transmission have a vaccination certificate. All
eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19
vaccines; immunisation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid
are recommended. Visitors are advised to bring their own medication
to avert the risk of travellers' diarrhoea, as well as sun block
and insect repellent, as local supplies can be erratic and costly.
During the rainy season in particular, visitors should take
precautions against mosquito bites due to the risk of dengue fever
and the chikungunya virus (although these diseases are rare in
Seychelles). Tap water meets WHO standards, but most visitors
prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available. Medical
facilities on the more remote islands are limited or non-existent,
but visitors will find a government hospital and several private
clinics in Victoria. Medical insurance with full evacuation cover
is necessary.
Safety Notes when travelling to Seychelles
Safety is not generally an issue in the Seychelles; violent
crime is unlikely and most visits are trouble free. There have been
some incidents of theft and assault, but these are targeted mainly
at residents. Visitors should be vigilant, particularly after dark
in Victoria and in isolated areas, and should avoid taking
valuables to the beach, where petty thieves might snatch them.
Women should avoid walking alone on isolated beaches.
Customs in Seychelles
Seychellois are usually described as laid-back and easygoing,
and dress codes around the destination are generally relaxed.
Nudism is unacceptable, however, and topless bathing is tolerated
on very few beaches. Punishments for drug offences can be
severe.
Duty Free in Seychelles
Travellers to the Seychelles over 18 years do not have to pay
duty on 200 cigarettes, or 250g of tobacco; two litres of spirits
and two litres of wine; 200ml of perfume or eau de toilette.
Prohibited items include drugs, narcotics, firearms, spear-fishing
equipment, and camouflage clothing.
Doing Business in Seychelles
In the Seychelles, business is conducted relatively informally.
Men and women are not required to wear formal suits, although a
smart appearance is advised. Business is usually conducted in
English or French. Business hours are generally 8am to 4pm Monday
to Friday.
Communication in Seychelles
The international dialling code for Seychelles is +248. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). Visitors can purchase local SIM cards
for their mobile phones and many midrange and all top-end hotels
offer WiFi, as do some cafes and restaurants.
Tipping in Seychelles
Tipping generally isn't practiced and is never expected in the
Seychelles, though top-end hotels or restaurants will sometimes add
a service charge of 10 to 15 percent to the bill.
Passport/Visa Note
No foreigners require a visa to enter Seychelles. A visitor's
permit, valid for a maximum of three month, is issued on arrival
and may be extended on application for up to three months. All
visitors do, however, require a passport valid for the duration of
their visit, a return or onward ticket, sufficient funds to cover
their stay (a minimum of USD 150 per day), and proof of
accommodation. Extensions are possible if applied for at least a
week before expiry of visitor's permit. It is highly recommended
that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity
remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens require a passport valid for at least the
length of their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on
arrival, valid for three months. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport valid for at least the length of
their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival,
valid for three months. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens need a passport valid for the duration of their
stay, and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid
for three months. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians need a passport valid for the length of their stay
and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for
three months. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens require a passport valid for the length of their
stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid
for three months. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for the length of
their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival,
valid for three months. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must have a passport valid for the duration of
their stay and will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival,
valid for three months. A visa is required.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Seychelles, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Seychelles. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Seychelles. The government of Seychelles requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Seychelles, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Seychelles. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Seychelles. The government of Seychelles requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Seychelles, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Seychelles. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Seychelles include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Seychelles’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Seychelles may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Seychelles, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Seychelles for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The Seychelles currency is the rupee (SCR), which is divided
into 100 cents. It's uncommon to buy goods or pay for services in
any other currency, though some guesthouses and hotels may accept
euros or US dollars. Credit cards are widely welcomed throughout
the Seychelles, and ATMs are available at major banks in Victoria
and Praslin. Money can be exchanged at travel agents, banks and
bureau de changes.
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) Seychelles International Airport https://www.seychellesairports.sc/
Location: Mahe The airport is located seven miles (11km) from Victoria
on the island of Mahe.
Time: Local time is GMT +4.
Contacts:
Tel: +248 384 000
Transfer between terminals:
The airport has one international and one domestic terminal. The
terminals are a short walking distance from each other.
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available to carry passengers to any point on the
island. A bus service to Victoria is also available and departs
every 20 to 30 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental agencies operate at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis leave from just outside the terminal. Taxi fares vary, so
it's best to enquire before the journey starts.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a tourism kiosk, duty-free shopping,
banking and currency exchange facilities, ATMs, restaurants and
bars, and an executive lounge.
Parking:
Parking is available in front of the terminal buildings.
Overview of the Attractions in Seychelles
Almost half of the total land area of the
Seychelles is protected and most of its islands are designated
marine sanctuaries, which goes some way to explaining why the
archipelago is so pristine and well preserved. Naturally, the
Seychelles is a dream destination for aquatic pursuits such as
diving, snorkelling, sailing and fishing, but visitors will also
find that the virgin jungles and granite peaks provide a playground
for hikers, bird watchers and rock climbers.
The islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue
are the most developed for tourists, with many luxury hotels, some
cultural attractions, and myriad activities on offer. Here,
travellers will find stunning beaches, the Morne Seychellois
National Park and the UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai.
Keen fishermen should head to Desroches
Island, Alphonse Island and Farquhar Atoll, while surfers will love
Anse Intendance. Some of the best islands for birders include the
aptly named Bird Island, the Aride Island Nature Reserve and Cousin
Island. Nature lovers will also relish the wildlife on Curieuse
Island, Silhouette Island and the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll, to
name just a few.
Victoria Mahe
Billed as the smallest capital city in the
world, Victoria may also be considered one of the most charming and
is easily explored on foot. The best place to soak up the friendly
atmosphere is at the busy daily market (closed on Sundays), where
local crafts are sold alongside fresh fish, fruit and
vegetables.The city's French and British colonial history is still
palpable, reflected in historical buildings such as the courthouse
and main post office. Among the colourful houses, visitors can also
spot a cathedral and the Victoria clock tower (a replica of the
clock was first erected at Vauxhall Bridge in London in 1892). The
quaint city is also home to many artists, and works by talented
locals are popular buys at local galleries.
Morne Seychellois National Park Mahe
The largest national park in the
Seychelles, Morne Seychellois National Park takes up almost 20
percent of the area of Mahe. The park is made up of a number of
habitats and ecosystems ranging from coastal mangrove forests to
misty mountain peaks. Morne Seychellois contains no settlements,
although visitors may stumble across the ruins of old cinnamon
distilleries. Dominating the landscape is Morne Seychellois, the
highest peak on the island, at 2,970 feet (905m). The national park
has a network of 12 well-marked hiking trails covering just over
nine miles (15km), traversing some truly beautiful landscapes.
Visitors can find maps and other information in Victoria.
Seychelles National Museum of History Mahe
Travellers can step back into the days of
the buccaneers at the Seychelles National Museum of History, which
features excellent displays of historic artefacts relating to the
cultural and natural history of the islands. Exhibits take visitors
on a journey through three centuries of Seychelles history, and
include a range of interesting displays that cover Creole culture,
music, clothing, fishing and architecture. Though small, the museum
holds fascinating items such as the Portuguese Nautical Atlas of
the Indian Ocean in 1519 and the world's smallest statue of Queen
Victoria.
National Botanical Gardens Mahe
The century-old, six hectare Botanical
Gardens at the south end of Victoria provide a cool, green oasis in
the city, and are planted with a wide variety of indigenous and
exotic trees, including the Seychelles islands' unique 'coco de
mer' palms. For those staying on the island of Mahe and not
travelling much further afield, the botanical garden may present
the only opportunity to see this highly unusual plant, which is
found nowhere else in the world. The orchid garden is also
particularly lovely. Visitors can stop at the restaurant situated
in the gardens for a bite to eat after a day of admiring the
blooms.
Website: http://www.bgci.org
St Anne Marine National Park Mahe
Nature lovers will relish a guided tour
from Victoria harbour to the magnificent St Anne National Marine
Park, which covers six islands off the coast of Mahe. The islands
included in the park are Ste Anne, Ile Moyenne, Ile Ronde, Ile
Longue, Ile Cachee and Ile aux Cerfs. The park encompasses one of
the most important nesting sites for hawksbill turtles, and beneath
its clear waters the glory of the coral reefs awaits snorkellers
and divers. Glass-bottomed boat trips and sunset cruises are also
available, and the national park is a beautiful and popular spot
for wedding photos. All Marine National Parks in Seychelles are
open daily, including public holidays.
Dive Sites Mahe
With crystal clear waters and wonderful
underwater reefs, wrecks, boulders and sea life, it is no surprise
that one of the main activities in the Seychelles is exploring its
underwater world. The islands have a selection of dive sites
ranging from those suitable for snorkellers and novice divers, to
those preferred by experienced scuba enthusiasts. Highlights
include the wreck of the Royal Navy tanker Ennerdale, the grey reef
sharks off Marianne Island and the spectacular coral life around
The Sisters, Trompeuse and the Outer Islands.
There are dive operators on most of the
islands, although many divers believe that the best way to explore
the islands is aboard a charter boat. Diving is possible throughout
the year, but the best times are March to May and September to
November, when the prevailing winds are at their mildest and
visibility is at its best. Visibility is generally more than 100
feet (30m), and water temperatures are often as high as 80F (29C),
which are idyllic diving conditions. Divers can expect to see whale
sharks, granite formations, soft and hard corals, turtles and giant
stingrays, to name just a few highlights. Diving or learning to
dive is the perfect holiday activity in the gorgeous
Seychelles.
Beau Vallon Bay Mahe
Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and
turquoise waters, beautiful Beau Vallon Bay on the northern coast
of Mahe Island is the most popular beach resort area in the
Seychelles, and boasts several hotels, a casino and a selection of
scuba-diving and water-sport centres. Known for its clear seas and
enviable visibility, Beau Vallon also has a number of dive sites
within the bay, including wrecks and several coral reefs. The
Marine Park of Baie Ternay is easily accessible from Beau Vallon,
and the bay is home to several major hotels, some of which are the
oldest and most famous on the island. Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove,
the Berjaya Beau Vallon and the Coral Strand are all excellent
choices.
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Remote and beautiful, the 72 Outer Islands of the Seychelles are largely untroubled by the pressures of tourism, but with environmental concerns growing, travelers are helping preserve this unspoiled slice of paradise.
Looking for another reason to celebrate your COVID-immunity? Seychelles announcing that fully vaccinated travelers would be permitted to bypass mandatory quarantine
The Seychelles has banned all cruise ships from its shores until 2022, according to reports. The small island nation, which sits off the coast of East Africa in the western Indian Ocean, imposed the two-year ban over fears around the spread of COVID-19, the Seychelles Nation reported. The cruise ship ban goes into effect immediately and will last until the end of 2021, Didier Dogley, the country’s
After starring in the cult favorite horror film "Midsommar" — delivering one of the breakout performances of 2019 — actor and director Jack Reynor decided to take a break from life on set. And for Reynor, "taking a break" looks like heading out into the Indian Ocean. Last December, Reynor embarked on a diving trip to assist with conservation efforts in the African island nation of Seychelles. After landing
It doesn’t require the Hubble telescope to view the newest Five-Star hotels in the hospitality universe. But it could easily take a year to visit them all. The inspectors of Forbes Travel Guide journeyed from Santa Barbara to the Seychelles to find its 2020 Star Award winners, an elite group of the world’s most luxurious hotels, restaurants and spas. A record-breaking 107 new Five-Star honorees landed on the 62nd annual
When people talk about African islands their minds immediately wander off to the picturesque beaches and resorts of popular destinations like the Seychelles and Zanzibar. But there’s definitely more of the continent that needs exploring. Located off the coast of Senegal, the islands of Cape Verde are probably one of the continent’s most underrated gems. Visitors can expect to see unspoiled beaches when they
In case you didn’t already know, the Caribbean doesn’t have a monopoly on beautiful islands. Right off the coast of Mama Africa are some of the most stunning island nations you’ll ever see, and the Seychelles is one of them. From the picturesque shores of Mahé, Praslin and La
Some people set records by jumping the highest or running the fastest. But for Jessica Nabongo, a UN employee turned travel blogger, it's by becoming the first black woman to visit every country on Earth. She set out to visit all 193 countries in the world in 2016, and on October 6 arrived the last on her list, Seychelles, according to a post on her Instagram page. She also clocked up a
Fort Lauderdale, FL (October 3, 2019) – South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier of South Africa and Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelle, announced today a new code share agreement for customers traveling between New York and Seychelles. Air Seychelles will add its "HM"
Twenty minutes away from the Seychelles’ main island of Mahé is the flat coralline island of Desroches, home to the ultra swanky Four Seasons Desroches—and an ancient population of Aldabra Giant Tortoises.
he islands of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius, Seychelles and Maldives - are unequivocally some of the most beautiful in the world and have topped the list of dream honeymoon destinations for decades. There's no doubting the allure of their perfect white sand beaches and swaying palms, but how do you choose between them? Luckily, these paradise
Joon, which will be based under the watchful eye of its parent carrier at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, will first begin flying to four short-haul cities in December - Barcelona, Berlin, Lisbon and Porto - before kicking off its long-haul routes
The Maldives isn't the only spot for Indian Ocean indulgence. The Seychelles -- a string of 115 tropical islands 1,000 miles east of Tanzania -- boasts some of the world's best beaches with a renowned collection of luxurious getaways
I'd been chatting with my taxi driver for a few minutes when I mentioned I was from Canada. He turned and looked at me with a mixture of surprise and curiosity
There aren’t many places on Earth where hawksbill turtles feel so unthreatened that they come ashore in broad daylight to lay their eggs. The Seychelles is one place where they do. There she was: a turtle scooping a hole in the sand, then entering the trance that accompanies the egg-laying process. Her carapace swayed as lychee-like ova plopped into the hollow
